Nigeria Urges AU To Address Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria has urged the African Union (AU) to formally address recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.

President Bola Tinubu made the request during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, on August 30. Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s position at the summit. Shettima called for the issue to be placed on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session, scheduled for January 2027.

“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Shettima told the Assembly.

While acknowledging South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws, Nigeria said attacks against foreign nationals undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence. It urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and rights of African nationals across the continent.

The request came as the Luanda summit focused largely on conflict prevention and peace and security, with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighting crises in Sudan, eastern DR Congo, Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, northern Mozambique and Madagascar.

The summit adopted the Luanda Action Plan, aimed at strengthening conflict prevention and response, while calling for greater African financial and political ownership of peace and security efforts.

SOURCE: MRA